Info about Guacamelee! Super Turbo Championship Edition:

Official game description:
Carlos Calaca has kidnapped El Presidente's Daughter, and he plans to sacrifice her in order to merge the World of the Living with the World of the Dead.
Juan Aguacate, an agave farmer who stumbles upon a Legendary Luchador mask, must find the strength and courage to become the Hero he's always dreamed of being and put a stop to this.
**Guacamelee! Super Turbo Championship Edition** is a Metroidvania-style action-platformer set in a magical world inspired by traditional Mexican culture and folklore. The game features melee combat, parallel dimensions and same-screen co-op. The original _Guacamelee!_ received wide critical acclaim and was a finalist for both IndieCade and the Independent Games Festival's Excellence in Visual Art award.
Key Features
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*   Non-Stop Fighting Action. An extensive move list, advanced combo engine, and anti-gravity grabs
*   Multi-dimensional Platforming. Instantly swap between the Worlds of Living and Dead to traverse impossible terrain
*   Combat moves double as movement, uniting platforming and fighting in a way never seen before
*   Diverse, detailed world containing lively towns, dark forests, flowery canals and fiery volcanoes
*   Drop in/out 4-Player local co-operative play, featuring independent dimension swapping
*   Multiple boss characters (each with unique back stories), wide range of foes, and elite-class enemies
*   Spectacular player abilities: The Rooster Uppercut, Frog Slam, and “Intenso” turbo-combat mode
*   Create new custom costumes and share these with others via Steam Workshop
*   Steam leaderboards, achievements and trading cards, support for multiple save slots, persistent cross-save-game costume unlocks
*   Chickens. Lots and lots of chickens.
Also Included: Guacamelee! Gold Edition
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The original _Guacamelee! Gold Edition_ experience is also included with this purchase!
_Guacamelee! Gold_ Edition was the first version of the game released on Steam, before we added the new powers, levels, enemies, gameplay and enhancements that define _Guacamelee! Super Turbo Championship Edition_.

Release date: Aug 21, 2014

Categories: Metroidvania, Action Platformer, Cooperative Multiplayer, Character Customization, Combat, Platforming, Local Co-op, 2D Action Platformer

Feature scans:
- Proton/Linux: score 10; verdict: Works Well; summary: The game runs exceptionally well on Linux SteamOS and Steam Deck, with users reporting zero issues and great performance. This indicates a high level of compatibility and optimization for Linux-based systems.
- Steam Deck: score 30; verdict: Playable with Minor Issues; summary: The overall experience of playing the game on the Steam Deck is positive, with many users praising the visual quality and smooth performance. However, there are notable issues with game stability, including crashes, and some deficiencies in control configuration options. Additionally, a few users reported problems with control responsiveness.

- Hardware Profile: No data
Feature extractions:
- Community Price:
  - Community fair range: $5.00 - $15.00
  - Reasoning: The evidence indicates that users generally find the game's price fair and reasonable. One user explicitly states that the price tag is good, while another mentions that the game is worth $14.99. Additionally, users highlight that the game is often on sale, which adds value to the purchase. The frequent sales and discounts suggest that the base price is considered fair, but users appreciate the opportunity to buy it at an even lower price.
- Playtime Metrics:
  - Game completion: 10.0h
  - Story completion: 6.0h
  - Session length: N/A
  - Endgame: 4.0h
  - Reasoning: The evidence provides several direct references to playtime. The first quote mentions a playtime of about 8-10 hours, which aligns with the typical game completion time. The second quote supports this with a specific mention of a 10-hour playthrough for 100% completion. The third quote suggests a shorter playtime of around 6 hours, which could be indicative of a story completion time. The fourth quote mentions completing the game in both difficulties taking around 15 hours, which could be interpreted as a combination of story completion and additional endgame content.
- Time-to-fun:
  - Summary: The game starts with stiff and repetitive gameplay but becomes more enjoyable as players unlock new abilities and engage in local co-op, which enhances the overall experience.
  - Stance: Fun then drops
  - Anchor: Unlocking new abilities and engaging in local co-op
  - Time to anchor: 1h 0m
  - Friction: Stiff inputs; Precise platforming requirements; Repetitive gameplay; Boring and stilted without co-op
  - Unlock drivers: Unlocking new abilities; Engaging in local co-op
  - Conditions: Playing with friends; Mastery of combat system; Exploration with progression; Optional multiplayer
- Player Archetypes:
  - Co-op Enthusiast (buy)
    - Motivation: Social interaction and shared gaming experiences.
    - Playstyle: Collaborative and chaotic fun with friends.
    - Experience: mixed
    - Purchase stance: buy
    - Labels: co-op player; social gamer
    - Reference games: Guacamelee! Super Turbo Championship Edition; Guacamelee! 2
  - Challenge Seeker (buy)
    - Motivation: Enjoying a balanced challenge and accessible gameplay.
    - Playstyle: Seeking a mix of fair difficulty and optional tougher challenges.
    - Experience: familiar
    - Purchase stance: buy
    - Labels: hardcore gamer; casual gamer
    - Reference games: Hollow Knight; Dark Souls; Super Meat Boy
  - Newcomer (sale)
    - Motivation: Looking for a good starting point in a new game or series.
    - Playstyle: Exploring the game as a newcomer, appreciating the experience but cautious about continuing.
    - Experience: newcomer
    - Purchase stance: sale
    - Labels: new player; beginner
    - Reference games: Guacamelee! Super Turbo Championship Edition; Guacamelee! 2
  - Metroidvania Fan (buy)
    - Motivation: Enjoying Metroidvania games and their unique features.
    - Playstyle: Comparing and appreciating the game within the Metroidvania genre.
    - Experience: veteran
    - Purchase stance: buy
    - Labels: Metroidvania fan; retro gamer
    - Reference games: Hollow Knight; Castlevania; Metroid


Below are summaries of things people say about the game per category.
Each point is assigned a weight that represents how often it is mentioned across all reviews.
What players like:
- Engaging and dynamic combat system (weight 0.53): The combat system is frequently praised for being responsive, varied, challenging, and enjoyable. Players find it fast-paced, fluid, and rewarding, with innovative design and satisfying mechanics.
- Stunning and colorful visuals (weight 0.51): The game's graphics are praised for being great, spectacular, and visually appealing. Players appreciate the stylized, colorful, and lively visuals, as well as the detailed backgrounds and character designs.
- Rich in cultural references (weight 0.37): The game is noted for its many memes, humor, and references, particularly related to Mexican culture. Players enjoy the cultural references and Easter eggs, as well as the humor and pop culture nods.
- Excellent platforming mechanics (weight 0.32): Platforming is highlighted as enjoyable, tight, and excellent. Players appreciate the fun and creative platforming sections, as well as the good platforming elements.
- Classic Metroidvania elements (weight 0.25): The game is praised as a classic Metroidvania, with some considering it one of the best in the genre. Players enjoy the well-done Metroidvania elements and the combination of platforming and combat.
- Magnificent soundtrack (weight 0.16): The game's soundtrack is described as magnificent, gorgeous, and excellent. Players appreciate the entertaining and captivating Mexican motifs in the sound design.
- Accessible and fair gameplay (weight 0.14): The game is noted for its accessible and enjoyable gameplay, with fair difficulty and enjoyable exploration. Players appreciate the accessible design and enjoyable abilities.
- Entertaining and funny story (weight 0.12): The game's story is described as funny, entertaining, and striking. Players enjoy the short but enjoyable story, as well as the entertaining dialogue.

Common complaints:
- Difficult platforming sections (weight 0.31): The game features precise and difficult platforming that can be frustrating. Some sections, particularly in the latter half of the game, are noted as being nearly impossible to pass alone.
- High and uneven difficulty (weight 0.25): The game is noted for its high difficulty, with some players mentioning artificial and unbalanced difficulty. There are sudden difficulty spikes, particularly towards the end of the game.
- Lack of enemy variety (weight 0.23): Players found the enemy pool to be small and repetitive, leading to tedious combat encounters. The enemy design was criticized for being poor and unvaried.
- Game length is short (weight 0.2): Many players noted that the game is relatively short, with a gameplay duration of around 8-10 hours. Some also mentioned minor pacing issues.
- Lack of innovation (weight 0.1): The game is criticized for its lack of innovation in gameplay and mechanics. Players noted a lack of variety in gameplay and added content.
- Uninteresting boss design (weight 0.1): Bosses in the game are described as too simple and uninteresting. The boss design lacks impact and quality.
- Weak additional elements (weight 0.08): Additional elements such as quests and costumes lack appeal. The rewards for completing maps are not motivating, contributing to the short playtime.
- Game-breaking power-up (weight 0.08): The Intenso power-up is criticized for being game-breaking and unbalancing the game. It makes the game too easy and affects the overall gameplay experience.

Gameplay feedback:
- Metroidvania and platformer blend (weight 0.5): The game combines elements of the Metroidvania genre with platforming and beat 'em up mechanics, creating a unique mix of exploration, combat, and platforming.
- Combo-based combat system (weight 0.39): The combat system is centered around combos, special attacks, and various moves, offering a beat 'em up experience with wrestling-inspired mechanics.
- Ability unlocks and progression (weight 0.26): Players unlock new abilities that enhance combat and platforming, with a progression system that integrates these abilities into both gameplay aspects.
- Challenging difficulty curve (weight 0.19): The game features a significant difficulty curve with various settings and scenarios that provide challenging gameplay and increased difficulty as players progress.
- Cooperative multiplayer gameplay (weight 0.19): The game supports local cooperative multiplayer, allowing up to 4 players to engage in family-friendly gameplay together.
- Platforming and puzzle elements (weight 0.11): The game features platforming mechanics and puzzle-solving elements, adding variety to the gameplay.
- Unique gameplay mechanics and areas (weight 0.11): The game introduces new mechanics and areas with unique gameplay elements, keeping the experience fresh and engaging.
- Mexican cultural inspiration (weight 0.11): The game is inspired by traditional Mexican culture, with a storyline based on Mexican history and folklore, and includes Mexican cultural references and settings.
- Story and multiple endings (weight 0.1): The game includes a storyline with multiple endings, integrating story and character development into the gameplay.
- INTENSO rage mechanic (weight 0.1): The game features an INTENSO rage mechanic that enhances combat, providing a unique and powerful mode for players.
- Dimension switching mechanics (weight 0.08): The game includes mechanics for switching between dimensions, adding a unique layer to platforming and combat.

Performance notes:
- Performance and Optimization Issues (weight 0.12): The game suffers from poor optimization, leading to FPS issues and a cap at 60 FPS. Some players report feeling like the game runs at 30 FPS or worse.
- Graphical Improvements and Issues (weight 0.11): The game has seen graphical improvements and nicer-looking effects. However, some players report screen tearing, especially with V-Sync turned off.
- Glitches and Bug Fixes (weight 0.1): Players have encountered occasional enemy glitches and issues with game speed and controller inputs. Some of these issues have been fixed, such as the controller issue and seizure-inducing screens.
- Crashes and Stability (weight 0.09): There is a small chance of the game crashing, with some players reporting frequent game crashes, although others report flawless performance.
- Positive Performance on Steam Deck (weight 0.06): The game runs great and functions well on the Steam Deck, providing a smooth experience for players using this platform.
- Camera Shake with Special Attacks (weight 0.03): Special attacks in the game cause camera shake, which can be disorienting for some players.

Recommendations:
- Fun and entertaining (weight 0.25): The game is recommended for its fun factor and entertainment value. It promises a few hours of enjoyable gameplay, especially for those who appreciate humor.
- STC Edition preferred (weight 0.21): The Super Turbo Championship Edition is recommended for its additional content and improved mechanics. It is considered the best version for both new and experienced players.
- Ideal for platformer veterans (weight 0.2): This game is highly recommended for players with experience in platformers, beat 'em ups, and Metroidvania-style games. It offers a challenging experience that fans of these genres will appreciate.
- Best version of Guacamelee (weight 0.13): This version is considered the final and best way to play Guacamelee, offering the most complete experience. It is also a good starting point for newcomers.
- Great for multiplayer (weight 0.11): Playing with a friend is highly recommended, as the game offers enjoyable multiplayer experiences along with great graphics and music.
- Handheld and cultural appeal (weight 0.08): The game is perfect for handheld play and is recommended for those interested in Spanish culture and humor, including cultural references.
- Good deal for owners (weight 0.06): The game is considered a great deal, especially at a discount, for those who owned previous versions and are looking to upgrade.
- Gold Edition for casual players (weight 0.03): The Gold Edition is suggested for players with less skill or those seeking simpler combat enjoyment, providing a more accessible experience.
- Not for navigation strugglers (weight 0.03): The game may not be recommended for players who have difficulty with navigation, as it can be challenging in this regard.

Other player notes:
- Challenge strategies discussed (weight 0.04): Players are sharing strategies to overcome challenges within the game.
- Operation recommendations provided (weight 0.04): Reviews include suggestions and recommendations for game operations and mechanics.
- Process guidance offered (weight 0.04): Reviews contain guidance on various processes within the game, helping other players navigate.
- Price comparisons mentioned (weight 0.03): Players are comparing the game's price to other similar games or platforms.
- Received game from Humble Bundle (weight 0.03): Some players received the game for free through Humble Bundle, which might influence their reviews.

Emotions:
- Enjoyment (weight 0.2): Players found the game enjoyable due to its well-crafted combat system, humorous and engaging story, and unique art style. The cooperative mode, fluid gameplay, and enjoyable mechanics also contributed to the positive experience.
- Frustration (weight 0.1): Players experienced frustration due to difficult gameplay mechanics, poor level design, and unbalanced combat. Issues with controls, artificial difficulty, and tedious sections also contributed to this emotion.
- Positive (weight 0.1): Players had a positive experience with the game's humor, combat mechanics, and platforming puzzles. The couch co-op feature, solid art style, and enjoyable gameplay also contributed to this sentiment.
- Joy (weight 0.08): Players felt joy due to the game's enjoyable combat mechanics, funny characters, and great soundtrack. The fun gameplay experience, engaging story, and cultural references also contributed to this emotion.
- Excitement (weight 0.07): Players were excited about the game's fun and exciting gameplay, beautiful art style, and spectacular visuals. The engaging story, humor, and new content also contributed to this feeling.
- Satisfaction (weight 0.07): Players felt satisfied with the game's balanced difficulty, enjoyable gameplay, and exploration. The improved quality, responsive controls, and local co-op gameplay also contributed to this sentiment.
- Disappointment (weight 0.06): Players felt disappointed due to the game's weird combat mechanics, poor platforming, and lack of significant differences between difficulty modes. The repetitive combat and lack of variety in gameplay also contributed to this emotion.
- Frustrated (weight 0.05): Players felt frustrated due to the difficulty in combos and boss fights, bad platforming, and controls. The complex puzzles with low fault tolerance and unbalanced difficulty also contributed to this emotion.
- Excited (weight 0.04): Players were excited about unlocking more abilities, dynamic gameplay, and art direction. The anticipation for the sequel and improved gameplay mechanics also contributed to this feeling.
- Appreciation (weight 0.03): Players appreciated the game's rich Mexican cultural content, good story, and unique artistic style. The detailed breakdown, strategy guides, and community impact also contributed to this sentiment.
- Nostalgia (weight 0.02): Players felt nostalgic due to the game being a classic that holds up for its age and playing the game before with fond memories. The dated video game references and mentions of classic games also contributed to this emotion.
- Disappointed (weight 0.02): Players felt disappointed with the game feeling outdated, excessive monsters, and mechanisms in the later stages. The mediocre everything else and horrible representation of Mexican culture also contributed to this emotion.
- Enthusiasm (weight 0.01): Players were enthusiastic about the detailed analysis of the game, the mix of genres, and the fast-paced gameplay. The game being crafted well and updated with new content also contributed to this feeling.
- Love (weight 0.01): Players loved the game due to its engaging and polished gameplay, cultural references, and unique visual style. The Mexican elements and music also contributed to this emotion.
- Amused (weight 0.01): Players were amused by the humor and references in the game. The unique Mexican elements, engaging atmosphere, and good humor also contributed to this feeling.
- Satisfied (weight 0.01): Players felt satisfied after finishing the game and achieving 100% completion. The appropriate difficulty and addicting gameplay also contributed to this sentiment.}